Yankees giving Brian Roberts a second chance

Yankees second baseman Brian Roberts, warming up Monday in Tampa, Fla., hasn’t played a full season since 2009.

TAMPA, Fla. – Brian Roberts might have been on second base, the year could have been 2004 – the exact details aren’t exactly clear.

But something Derek Jeter said during that long-ago Orioles-Yankees game still resonates with Roberts.

"He told me, ‘You can hit .300 in this league,’ ’’ Roberts said, recalling how the Yankee captain’s encouraging words felt like a validation that he’d arrived as a player.

Of course, "he’s probably told that to 150 guys," Roberts said with a smile.

All these years later, the Yankees’ plan is for Roberts to become Jeter’s final double-play partner. Roberts’ rookie year was Cal Ripken Jr.’s last, and now Jeter has declared 2014 to be his final season.

"That was an amazing experience, to walk those last couple months with Cal," said Roberts, 36. "And now it’s going to be an incredible experience to play with [Jeter] this year."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi boldly said his idea is to play Roberts at second base "almost every day," though Roberts has averaged just 48 games per season since 2010 due to various injuries.

Two concussions, groin problems and abdominal issues plagued him after signing his last Baltimore contract (four years, $40 million). Early last season, Roberts faced hamstring surgery and a ruptured right knee tendon.

"It always provides you a little more comfort when a guy finishes the season healthy," Yankees assistant general manager Billy Eppler said of Roberts’ second half of 2013.

The Yankees quickly contacted Roberts after the switch-hitter became a free agent, but "with the idea that we weren’t prepared to do anything at that time," Eppler said.

Not until the Mariners lured Robinson Cano to Seattle with $240 million.

Standing by his locker next to Jeter’s at Steinbrenner Field, Roberts is still astonished by the turn of events that put him in pinstripes after a 13-year career spent entirely with Baltimore.

"I always envisioned myself being an Oriole for my whole career. I never had any major desire to go anywhere else," said Roberts, who traded in his familiar No. 1 jersey for a No. 14. "I have tons of great memories there and I’ll always be fond of it.

"But at the same time, I’m extremely grateful to have this opportunity in New York, a place with so much history and a place that I respect a lot, being there so many times. I love playing in New York." Roberts has heard the groans from Birdland, lamenting his transfer to a bitter division rival. It’d have been far worse if he were still in his prime, hitting at or near .300 and banging doubles into the gap with historic frequency.

"He’s still a guy who can play at a high level. He’s just had trouble staying healthy," Girardi said. "I still think this guy can be productive."

At this point, the Yankees are banking on Roberts’ ability to play regularly. There’s not much depth at second base, considering that Kelly Johnson is the regular third baseman and weak-hitting, defensive whiz Brendan Ryan is mainly Jeter’s backup at shortstop.

Veteran infielder Scott Sizemore and Corban Joseph are in camp as non-roster invitees. Girardi said Eduardo Nunez will see time this spring at second base, though his defense is suspect.

One player to watch is second baseman Dean Anna, 27, who hit .331 for the Padres’ Class AAA affiliate last season.

Seven years removed from his last All-Star season, having wondered at times if his career would continue, Roberts is prepared to play as much as Girardi desires.

"I’m not going to be Robby. I’m not going to try to be," Roberts said of filling Cano’s position. "I’m just going to be Brian Roberts, and hopefully that’s good enough most days."